Table of contents:
What Age Should You Get Your First Mammogram – People at average risk of breast cancer are now advised to start mammograms by age 40 – 10 years earlier than the previous recommended age of 50. This guideline comes from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which makes national recommendations for medical screenings.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 264,000 women nationwide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
What Age Should You Get Your First Mammogram
According to the CDC, about 42,000 women nationally die from breast cancer each year. However, earlier and more frequent screening can save more lives.
My First Mammogram Almost Scared Me To Death
The recommendation to start mammography screening at age 40 is a step in the right direction in terms of early detection of breast cancer. While the task force recommends screening every two years, annual screening mammograms save the most lives and are recommended by many major health organizations. In fact, the USPSTF, the American Cancer Society, and many others agree that annual screening mammograms reduce breast cancer deaths. Starting annual screening at age 40 also helps detect cancers when they are smaller and easier to treat, which can result in less aggressive treatment.
Black and other minority women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age. These women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced and more aggressive forms of breast cancer and are more likely to die from breast cancer. This makes annual mammography screening starting at age 40 even more important for these patients.
This new guideline for earlier screening is the result of sustained state and national advocacy efforts by major medical societies, physicians, and patient advocates, as well as new literature and a critical review of the existing literature.
Screening mammography uses low-dose x-rays to evaluate breast abnormalities. At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Center (OSUCCC – James), we use the most advanced 3-D screening mammography technology to look for subtle changes in the breast.
Us Panel Drops Mammography Screening Age Back To 40
All breast imaging performed at our locations is then interpreted by breast imaging radiologists. If an abnormality is found, an additional mammogram or ultrasound may be performed for further evaluation.
In addition to mammographic screening, we also offer additional screening with automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue is common and is found in about 40% of women. For women at increased risk of breast cancer, additional screening tests, such as a breast MRI, are also recommended.
You need to get to know your breasts by getting to know how they look and feel, which is called breast self-awareness. This may include a breast self-examination, which is best done a few days after your period ends if you are still menstruating. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump, a change in the size or shape of the breast and nipple, dimpling of the skin, or other skin changes.
If you notice an abnormality, you should investigate it further with a provider. It is also important that the provider performs a clinical breast exam to detect changes in the breast. Many women who develop breast cancer never show symptoms, reinforcing the importance of mammography screening.
What Age Should Women Begin Mammograms To Screen For Breast Cancer?
All women, especially black and Ashkenazi Jewish women, are recommended to have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 and discuss with their doctor whether early, more intensive screening is necessary.
Many factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including genetic mutations, family history, chest radiation at a young age, personal history of breast cancer, breast density, and race/ethnicity. If it turns out that you have an increased risk of breast cancer, it may be recommended to start earlier, more intensive screening.
Natasha Monga, MD, is a breast radiologist and assistant clinical professor in the Department of Radiology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Have you already been putting off your first mammogram? For most of us, the thought of a mammogram is a little intimidating. You’ve probably heard many jokes or stories about breast compression during a mammogram. The truth? Mammography examinations can save lives, so they are recommended annually for women over 40 years of age. It’s important not to feel anxious, and knowing what to expect at your first mammogram appointment can help calm your nerves, reduce stress, and give you more confidence.
First, let’s talk about the technical aspects of mammography. Mammograms use low-dose x-rays to examine breast tissue and help doctors detect abnormalities. Research has shown that mammograms can find lumps that are too small to be felt, which means that cancer is caught at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. This is important because when cancer is treated early, patients usually have much better outcomes.
Survey: 22% Of Women Aged 35 To 44 Have Never Gotten A Mammogram, Have No Plans To Get One
When it’s time to schedule a mammogram, Salem Radiology can help. Founded in 1974, we are the largest radiology group in the area and offer a depth of specialization among our physicians that you can expect only at major university medical centers. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (503) 399-1262 or contact us through our website. It’s time for that first annual mammogram, every woman’s favorite 40th birthday present. Honestly, it probably ranks high on the list of things you’d rather do without, right behind pap smears. But mammograms are an important part of preventive care, and what they show your doctor could save your life. So why are we afraid of them? Are they worth getting so excited about?
We asked OhioHealth Imaging Manager Carla Knisley, MBA, RT(R)(MR) about the facts about mammograms so you know what to expect when you get one.
Mammography is a screening tool for breast cancer. It shows abnormal areas in the breast tissue and helps the healthcare provider decide if further tests are needed. Mammography examinations can detect nearly 90 percent of breast cancers two years before a lump can be felt.
We recommend that all women over the age of 40 have an annual mammogram. If you are younger than 40 and are concerned about a breast abnormality, talk to your primary care physician or OB-GYN before seeking a mammogram on your own.
Common Reasons For Getting Called Back After A Mammogram
Is there anything I should consider before I go for my first mammogram? There are a few things to keep in mind before your first mammogram.
A mammographer places your breasts on a machine to take X-rays. The machine has two transparent plates and the upper plate is lowered so that your breast is compressed between it and the lower plate. This spreads out the breast tissue, allowing for clear images. Compression only takes a few seconds.
Because the breast must be squeezed to flatten the tissue, some women find mammograms uncomfortable. Others feel nothing. This depends somewhat on how dense or fatty your breast tissue is, and how much the breast needs to be spread out to get a clear and full view. Your mammographer will assess how you feel during the exam, so they can adjust things to make you more comfortable if necessary.
Size can affect your overall mammogram experience. If you have larger breasts, the mammographer may need to image the breast in sections to capture all areas. If you have smaller breasts, your tissue will be very close to your chest wall and you may feel more tugging on this tissue to bring the whole breast into the picture. But don’t worry, our mammographers are experts in positioning the body and the machine for an optimal experience.
Your First Mammogram: A Step By Step Guide
Most mammogram results are available within two to three days, but it can take up to 10 days if previous mammogram results are delayed. The radiologist who reads the X-rays compares the previous mammograms with the new images to determine if any changes have occurred in the breast tissue.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 3 out of 1,000 mammograms result in a diagnosis of breast cancer. If you get an abnormal result at OhioHealth, a breast health nurse navigator will be your first point of contact. They will call you to explain the results, review the next steps, reassure you and answer any questions you may have. In most cases, we can schedule an OhioHealth specialist to see you within a day. They will help you decide which further tests and consultations are appropriate.
Scheduling a mammogram at OhioHealth is easy! You can schedule an appointment online at your convenience using the OhioHealth MyChart website or app, our scheduling tool, or you can schedule an appointment by phone at one of our 20 locations. The magic age for your first mammogram depends on many different risk factors. Here’s how you can tell if you need early screening.
CLEVELAND – As any doctor says, health screenings can save lives. Recently, our very own Danielle Wiggins shared how she did self-exams and mammograms once she turned 40.
